How does the California ammunition background check work?

The Standard check is for people who already have a record in the state's Automated Firearms System (AFS). DOJ compares your name, date of birth, current address, and driver license or ID number with the AFS record. If they match, DOJ then checks whether you are prohibited from having firearms (Penal Code 30370(b)). The vendor gets an answer at the counter in about two minutes.

The Basic check is a one-time review for a single purchase, built for people who are not prohibited but have no matching AFS entry (Penal Code 30370(c)). It costs $19 and may take days. Once approved, you have 30 days to use it (DOJ FAQ).

The statute gives two reasons a Standard check is denied (Penal Code 30370(b)):

1. Your information does not match an AFS entry. A common example is an address on your ID that differs from the address on your firearm record. A name change can cause the same result.
2. DOJ records show you are prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm.

If the problem is a mismatch, the DOJ FAQ says you can update your AFS information through the California Firearms Application Reporting System (CFARS). The FAQ also says a physical address is required and P.O. boxes are not accepted.

The DOJ FAQ lists a valid California driver license, California ID card, or military ID. If the card says "FEDERAL LIMITS APPLY," you also need proof of lawful presence in the United States, such as a passport or certified birth certificate.

A person with a current COE issued by DOJ is authorized to buy ammunition (Penal Code 30370(a)(2)). The vendor verifies the COE number for $5. If the verification is denied, the DOJ FAQ says to confirm that the COE number is correct, matches your personal information, and is active.

A person approved by DOJ to receive a firearm from a licensed dealer may receive ammunition from that dealer in the same transaction as the firearm (Penal Code 30352(c)(2)).

Yes, with one condition. Ammunition bought online or by other remote ordering must first be received by a licensed ammunition vendor in California, who processes the sale in person with you (Penal Code 30312(b)). The vendor may charge an administrative fee set by DOJ, plus the eligibility check fee (Penal Code 30312(a)(2)).

A California resident may not bring in ammunition bought or obtained outside the state unless it is first delivered to a licensed ammunition vendor for processing (Penal Code 30314(a)). The section lists exceptions, including ammunition acquired from a spouse, registered domestic partner, or immediate family member. A first violation is an infraction (Penal Code 30314(c)).

As of 2026-11-10, the DOJ FAQ lists the checks and fees as current requirements. The court history so far:

• On July 24, 2025, a three-judge Ninth Circuit panel held, 2 to 1, that the ammunition background check regime violates the Second Amendment (panel opinion).
• On December 1, 2025, the Ninth Circuit ordered the case reheard en banc and vacated the panel opinion (order).
• Status not confirmed as of November 10, 2026: the date of the en banc argument in Rhode v. Bonta, and whether the en banc court has issued a decision. Check the Ninth Circuit's published opinions and the court's docket for No. 24-542.